On Wednesday, Florida State began its spring season, holding the Seminoles' first practice since December. After losing 16 players, 11 of which could be drafted this April, FSU will be searching for players to replace those lost.

"The last couple years we've probably lost an entire starting NFL football team," Jimbo Fisher said Wednesday.

The position battle that will be discussed the most is that of quarterback, left vacant by Jameis Winston. Redshirt junior Sean Maguire, who has the most starts on the team with one, has an early lead on the job, but will have to fight off sophomore John Franklin III, redshirt freshman J.J. Cosentino and true freshman De'Andre Johnson for the job this spring, with incoming freshman Deondre Francois coming in the summer.

"He has the ability to do it. He just has to realize he's good enough and can be that guy," Fisher said of Maguire.

There are plenty of true freshman who are expected to make instant impacts, which tends to happen when you have the No. 3 recruiting class in the country according to 247. Five-stars safety Derwin James and defensive end Josh Sweat are both expected to see the field on defense, though Sweat has a long road to recovery after tearing his ACL. On offense, wide receivers George Campbell and Da'Vante Phillips should be able to ease the loss of Rashad Greene while Jaques Patrick should be able to complinment breakout star Dalvin Cook.

Florida State will also have to replace potential first round picks Ronald Darby and P.J. Williams in the secondary. Marquez White, who also played basketball his freshman year, is the only player with true playtime experience, but there are plans of moving Jalen Ramsey from star to corner. Sophomore Malique Jackson or junior Ryan Green will battle for time as well. Jackson saw the field on special teams last year, while Green is converting from running back. Trey Marshall will take over to the safety position, where Derwin James should also see some time confirmed Fisher during his initial press conference.

With Cam Erving, Josue Matias and Bobby Hart off the NFL, another concern is the offensive line. Upcoming sophomore Roderick Johnson emerged as a force last year, but the rest of the potential starters for Florida State will be playing for the first time. The initial starters include Johnson, JUCO transfers Chad Mavety and Kareem Are as well as Ryan Hoefeld, who rotated in at center in place of the injured Austin Barron last season before being replaced by Erving. Freshman Alec Eberle will compete with Hoefeld for the center spot.

Spring football ends on April 11 with the Garnet and Gold Game, which will give the first glimpse at the 2015 edition of the Florida State football team. March 31 will be FSU's Pro Day, where players from last year will be able to work out in the comfort of their own facilities in front of NFL scouts.